formidably
gb/fˈɔɹmədəbli/ us/fˈɔɹmədəbli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
in an impressively strong way
in a very strong or impressive way
Usage pattern:
formidably + [adjective/verb phrase]
Common mistake:
Often confused with words about being 'formal'; it means 'strong/impressive' or 'very'.
Synonyms
impressively (Focuses on admiration rather than threat.)
|
powerfully (Emphasizes force or effect.)
Antonyms
weakly (Opposite in strength or capability.)
|
ineffectively (Opposite in ability to produce results.)
Collocations
formidably intelligent
|formidably talented
|formidably strong
|formidably skilled
|formidably effective
|formidably well prepared
|formidably experienced
|formidably competitive
Themes
people
|performance
|evaluation
Examples
- She is formidably intelligent and never misses a detail.
- The team came back formidably in the second half and dominated the game.
- He argued formidably, answering every objection with evidence.
Learner examples
- She is formidably strong.
- They played formidably today.
adverb
formal
C1
property
2
in a dauntingly difficult way
very difficult or hard to face
Usage pattern:
formidably + [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners may use it for any 'difficult'; it usually suggests difficulty that feels intimidating.
Synonyms
dauntingly (More directly about feeling intimidated.)
|
intimidatingly (Emphasizes the effect on people rather than the difficulty itself.)
Antonyms
easily (Opposite in level of difficulty.)
|
simply (Opposite in complexity.)
Collocations
formidably difficult
|formidably complex
|formidably challenging
|formidably hard
|formidably high
|formidably steep
|formidably technical
Themes
problems
|work
|education
Examples
- The exam was formidably difficult, even for the top students.
- They faced a formidably complex legal problem.
- The climb gets formidably steep near the summit.
Learner examples
- This question is formidably hard.
- The project is formidably complex.
adverb
formal
C1
quantity
3
to a very great degree
extremely; very
Usage pattern:
formidably + [adjective/adverb]
Common mistake:
This use is more formal than 'very' and can sound odd in casual conversation.
Synonyms
extremely (More neutral and common.)
|
remarkably (Adds a sense of surprise or noticeability.)
Antonyms
slightly (Opposite in degree (small amount).)
|
moderately (Opposite in degree (not extreme).)
Collocations
formidably expensive
|formidably large
|formidably high
|formidably busy
|formidably fast
|formidably bright
|formidably ambitious
Themes
evaluation
|communication
Examples
- Housing in the city has become formidably expensive.
- Her workload is formidably heavy this semester.
- The new model is formidably fast compared with last year’s version.
Learner examples
- The tickets are formidably expensive.
Grammar
Dictionary form
formidably
IPA
GB/fˈɔɹmədəbli/
US/fˈɔɹmədəbli/
Syllables & stress
for - mid - ably (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (for)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: formidably
- Plural: formidablies
Word family
Forms
formidablies
noun
Core family
formidable
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
formidability
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.